Portugal's Roberto Martinez insists Cristiano Ronaldo is judged based on current form and fitness rather than age in the national team.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Roberto Martinez celebrated after winning the Nations League at Allianz Arena in Munich on June 8, 2025. Despite being 41 years old, Ronaldo could potentially play in his sixth World Cup with the upcoming event scheduled from 11 June to 18 July.

"Age is only a number," Martinez emphasized. "In the national team, we measure what's happening on the day and make decisions for the next day. We don't look any further than that."

Martinez clarified that Portugal focuses on managing Ronaldo based on his current form and fitness rather than his status as an iconic figure in international football. The Portuguese superstar holds the record for most goals scored internationally with 143.

The debate within Portugal is more about Ronaldo's role in the team rather than whether he deserves a place in the World Cup squad. Martinez addressed concerns regarding modern football, where substitutions and tactical shifts have become increasingly important, often stretching matches into extra time or penalties.

He argued that modern football has moved past treating the starting lineup as the only measure of status. Instead, there are now different roles and positions within the team. Ronaldo has always been willing to adapt his role based on these changes.

Martinez also touched upon a lingering question from the 2022 World Cup, when Ronaldo was omitted by then-coach Fernando Santos against Switzerland. He reiterated that form, style, and context can change, but what matters most is executing one's role effectively for the team's success.

"All players are in the same space in the national team where if they perform well and execute their role to help the team win, they have a better chance of playing than when they don't," Martinez said. "It's as simple as that."

Portugal will be placed in Group K at the FIFA World Cup with Congo DR, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. Their first match of the tournament is scheduled for June 17.

Martinez concluded by stating that while age may not define a player's value or potential impact on the team, form and current performance remain crucial considerations.